Niti Aayog Virmani promotes Chinese investment in Indian manufacturing

06 Aug 2024 CW Team

Virmani explained that if India is going to import goods from China for the next decade or more, it would be more beneficial to have Chinese companies establish operations in India and produce these goods domestically. This strategy, he noted, would align with the broader economic trade-offs.

With the US and Europe moving away from sourcing directly from China, Virmani argued that having Chinese companies invest in India could help the country tap into these markets more effectively. The Economic Survey emphasised that focusing on FDI rather than solely relying on trade could be a promising approach for boosting India?s exports, similar to strategies used by East Asian economies.

China is currently India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to $118.4 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. However, India has seen minimal FDI from China, which holds only a 0.37% share of the total FDI inflow. Tensions between the two nations, particularly after the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, have impacted their economic relations. Despite these tensions, trade has continued to grow, with India's exports to China rising by 8.7% to $16.67 billion last fiscal year, while imports increased to $101.7 billion, widening the trade deficit to $85 billion.

Virmani believes that focusing on Chinese investment could be more advantageous for India than relying on imports, helping the country to better integrate into global supply chains and reduce its trade deficit.

(ET)

Arvind Virmani, a member of Niti Aayog, suggested that India should encourage Chinese firms to invest and manufacture goods locally rather than continuing to import them. His comments followed a pitch from the pre-budget Economic Survey on July 22, which proposed attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) from China to boost local manufacturing and enhance the export market. Virmani explained that if India is going to import goods from China for the next decade or more, it would be more beneficial to have Chinese companies establish operations in India and produce these goods domestically. This strategy, he noted, would align with the broader economic trade-offs. With the US and Europe moving away from sourcing directly from China, Virmani argued that having Chinese companies invest in India could help the country tap into these markets more effectively. The Economic Survey emphasised that focusing on FDI rather than solely relying on trade could be a promising approach for boosting India?s exports, similar to strategies used by East Asian economies. China is currently India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to $118.4 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. However, India has seen minimal FDI from China, which holds only a 0.37% share of the total FDI inflow. Tensions between the two nations, particularly after the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, have impacted their economic relations. Despite these tensions, trade has continued to grow, with India's exports to China rising by 8.7% to $16.67 billion last fiscal year, while imports increased to $101.7 billion, widening the trade deficit to $85 billion. Virmani believes that focusing on Chinese investment could be more advantageous for India than relying on imports, helping the country to better integrate into global supply chains and reduce its trade deficit. (ET)

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Resources

16 Sep 2025

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Real Estate

16 Sep 2025

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..